WASHINGTON – President Bush yesterday said he’s “sorry” for the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. troops – but added that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld will keep his job, despite Democratic calls to oust him over the scandal.

A day after he had stopped short of an apology while talking to Arabic TV stations, Bush went further when he told Jordan’s King Abdullah, “I was sorry for the humiliation suffered by the Iraqi prisoners and the humiliation suffered by their families.”

Bush said the photos of abuse made Americans “sick to our stomach,” adding, “It’s a stain on our country’s honor and our country’s reputation.”

Bush – standing in the White House Rose Garden with Abdullah – confirmed he’d taken Rumsfeld to the woodshed for failing to tell him of the photos and a report on prison abuse, but insisted Rumsfeld’s job isn’t at risk.

“Secretary Rumsfeld is a really good secretary of defense. Secretary Rumsfeld has served our nation well. Secretary Rumsfeld has been the secretary during two wars. And he is – he’s an important part of my Cabinet and he’ll stay in my Cabinet,” Bush said.

Abdullah offered his solidarity to Bush, saying, “We’re all horrified by the images” of prisoner abuse – but adding he believes those who are guilty “will be brought to justice.”

Attorney General John Ashcroft said the Justice Department was ready to prosecute any civilians or ex-military personnel suspected of criminal conduct.

On Capitol Hill, House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi demanded Rumsfeld’s ouster and Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) said Congress should impeach the Pentagon chief and kick him out of office unless Bush fires him.

John Kerry sought to blame Bush, saying, “When I was in the Navy, the captain of the boat was in charge and the captain always took responsibility . . . As president, I will not be the last to know what is going on in my command.”

Meanwhile:

* A bipartisan group of senators called for demolition of the Abu Ghraib prison where the abuse took place.

* GOP strategist Rich Galen, just back from a tour of duty with the Coalition Provisional Authority, said, “I’m still waiting for anyone in the Arab world to apologize for the four Americans who were attacked, burned, hacked to pieces and dragged through the streets” in Fallujah.

* The House voted 365-50 to condemn the abuse but commend U.S. troops in Iraq. The 50 “no” votes came from liberals who felt the measure wasn’t tough enough, including New York Democratic Reps. Rangel, José Serrano of The Bronx, and Brooklyn Reps. Nydia Velazquez, Major Owens and Ed Towns. Rep. Greg Meeks of Queens didn’t vote.